NEW MILFORD —As the rain fell hard, Newtown High School’s football team poured it on in a 55-0 whitewashing of host New Milford in the annual Boot Game on November 9.

It was a hat-trick of a team performance, as the Nighthawks scored on offense, defense, and special teams. Newtown improved to 9-0, and the Wave fell to 0-9.

Dan Mason scored each of the first three touchdowns, carrying the ball into the end zone from 38, 20, and 36 yards out.

Ben Pinto rushed for a two-yard score. Jared Dunn had a 29-yard pick six, returning an interception to pay dirt. Miles Ricks returned a punt 45 yards for the final score of the opening half.

It was 42-0 Nighthawks after two quarters of play.

The Nighthawks did the best they could to not run the score up. With the starters out of the game and a running clock, Newtown managed two more touchdowns in the second half.

Luke Hannan’s 68-yard carry set up a Harry Lucas one-yard score. Connor Breslin added a 24-yard scamper into the end zone.

Not only did the reserves contribute on offense and defense, but they chipped in on special teams as well, with Rich Guman kicking the game’s final extra point through the uprights in place of kicker Devin O’Connell.

Mason carried just three times but racked up 94 yards. Ricks rushed twice for 22, Riley Ward had a carry for 25, Breslin took three handoffs and picked up 37, Hannan had two carries for 71, and Shaine Luzietti carried twice for 16 yards as part of Newtown’s nine-player, 16-carry, 269-yard ground attack.

“It’s rainy, it’s cold, it’s November weather. We executed the running plays we needed to,” said Newtown Coach Bobby Pattison, whose team had only three pass attempts due to the conditions.

Nick Sabillon and Pinto had five and four tackles, respectively, among 34 total team tackles. Sabillon, Trevor Hislop, and Joe Zeller all had quarterback sacks.

Lyle Petrellese forced a fumble that was recovered by Evan Prestera.

“I’m very pleased. Offense and defense both really stepped up. We both worked hard,” Dunn said.

The Hawks close out the regular season in the annual Thanksgiving Eve contest with Masuk of Monroe. This year’s game, on Wednesday, November 21, will be held at Blue & Gold Stadium; kickoff is at 6 pm.

“I’m ready. I can’t wait for the game. I always love the Thanksgiving showdown. I know a lot of the guys are back from years past, so it will be good,” Dunn said.

“Thanksgiving’s always a big game — rivalry game. We will have a big turnout from players back to root us on and support us during the Masuk game and beyond,” Pattison added.

The beyond is the Class LL state playoffs. Newtown, following this past week’s action, sits in the fifth seed despite being unbeaten. The top four teams among the eight playoff qualifiers host state quarterfinal round games on Tuesday, November 27.

Newtown could slide into a higher seed depending on points the Nighthawks and competitors earn based on strength of opposing teams.

The state semifinals are scheduled to be played on Sunday, December 2, with championships on Saturday, December 8. All times and locations are to be determined. Check The Bee’s web page, newtownbee.com for updates.